Chennai is a gracious city that has a clear
skyline, long sandy beaches, parks, historic landmarks and tourist
infrastructural facilities which make it a convenient entry
point.

Fort St. George

It was
built in 1640 AD, by the British East India Company under the direct supervision
of Francis Day and Andrew Cogon. This bastion achieved its name from St. George,
the patron saint of England. St. Mary's Church the oldest Anglican Church in
India built in 1680 and the tombstones in its courtyard are the oldest British
tombstones in India. This ancient prayer house solemnised the marriages of
Robert Clive and Governor Elinu-Yale, who later founded the Yale University in
the States. The flag staff at Fort St. George is still the tallest in India.
South of the Fort is the War Memorial, a graceful monument built in 1939 in
memory of the warriors who sacrificed their lives during the First World
War.

The Fort Museum

The
Fort Museum is the repository of the exhibits of weapons, uniforms, coins,
costumes, medals and some other artifacts dating back to the British
period.

Santhome Cathedral

Santhome at the southern end of Marina derives its name from St
Thomas, the apostle of Christ who is believed to have come to Madras sometime
during 52 AD. He was killed on St Thomas Mount just outside the city in 78 AD.
and was interned in Santhome beach where a church was later built. In 1606 the
church was rebuilt as a cathedral and in 1896 it was made a basilica. The
beautiful stained glass window at the basilica portrays the story of St Thomas
and the central hall has 14 wooden plaques depicting scenes from the last days
of Christ. In the cathedral is a 3ft. high statue of Virgin Mary which is
believed to have been brought from Portugal in 1543.

Kapaleswarar Temple

Located in Mylapore, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Fragmentary inscriptions date back to 1250 A.D. The majestic 37metere gopuram is profusely carved depicting Puranic legends.
The present structure was renovated by the Vijayanagara Kings in the 16th century. It has some beautiful sculptures among which are the bronze idols of 63 Saivite saints or the Nayanmars. These adorn the outer courtyard within the temple precinct.

The Government Museum

The Museum is more than 150 years old. The modern building next to the original museum houses the treasured statues of Natraja, Buddha, the Tamil saints and others, in its Bronze Gallery. The highlight of the Bronze Gallery is the “Cosmic Natraja,” that rests on a rotating platform. Within the museum precinct is the circular 100 year’s old Museum Theatre that has influences of Indo - Saracenic architecture. It is an excellent specimen of exposed brick architecture, with brick pilasters (pillars) flanking each entrance. Cornices made of stucco ornamentation adorn these pillars. This is still a popular venue for plays and readings.

The National Art Gallery, located within the campus, has the finest collection of the contemporary art, paintings and sculptures. The Jaipur - Moghul architecture gives the building its “lacy” and distinct look.

Shopping

Spencer Plaza

Spencer's is a 100 Year old institution in Chennai, India, whose name has long been associated with a world class shopping experience. In 1990, one landmark paved way for another - Spencer Plaza has taken shape as India's finest and largest Shopping and Office Mall at the same place, continues to give Shoppers, convenience beyond par.

Victoria Technical Institute

The institute is associated with the best that is found in the field of Indian art and crafts, playing the role of marketing platform for unknown craftsmen and talented artisans in the remote parts of the country.
Conceived as a charitable trust, essentially to extend a helping hand to the unknown genius lost in the villages, the institute came into being in October 1887 to commemorate the Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen Empress Victoria. The Memorial Hall, instituted in memory of Queen Victoria on Pantheon Road in 1909, offers technical and industrial education in cooperation with the VTI. This hall in sandstone is one of the finest pieces of architecture in Chennai.

Note:

Fort St George

Open between 1000 hrs and 1700 hrs. Free Entry. Closed on Saturdays, Sundays & all National Holidays.